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One Dad's Quest to Regain Control of his Kingdom

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4 Tips for Stress-Free Travel With Kids

June 24, 2020 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

travel-with-family

Every parent knows that traveling as a family can be difficult, particularly when you have young children. However, you shouldn’t let potential challenges discourage you from going on a family vacation and enjoying trips abroad. Fortunately, there are dozens of ways to ensure that your family getaway is relaxing and enjoyable for everyone. With this in mind, here are four tips for stress-free travel with kids:

1. Get kids involved

Getting your kids involved in the planning process is a great way to get them excited about an upcoming vacation and give them a sense of ownership over the trip. It will also help to prepare your kids for what to expect when you go away, meaning they’ll be more likely to be on their best behavior. Sit down as a family and discuss travel plans, such as what destination to visit, where to stay, and what activities to do while you’re on vacation. Try to be flexible and take your kids’ thoughts and opinions into account when making your travel plans.

2. Organize your travel plans

Booking early and being organized with your travel plans is particularly important when you are traveling with kids. Making plans last minute and being spontaneous may work for solo travelers or couples, but this style of travel is not well-suited to families or those traveling with young children. Instead, make your travel arrangements in advance and book your accommodation and transport as a minimum. You should also consider booking things like tours, activities, and even restaurants before you arrive at your destination, as many of these get fully booked in popular tourist areas. If you are traveling by plane, then you can book parking and transfers online. For instance, LaGuardia airport parking offers a secure online booking form where you can reserve your parking spot of choice before traveling. Having travel plans confirmed in advance will avoid any unnecessary stress and hassle during your vacation.

3. Avoid planning too much

Vacations allow you to spend quality time with your family and plan lots of fun activities and experiences. However, you should avoid planning too much when you go away, or you risk your kids becoming tired and frustrated. For that reason, you should try to limit your itinerary to one or two activities a day. Make sure you factor in plenty of leisure time where your kids can relax and take naps. You should also remember to pack a good selection of kid-friendly activities to keep your kids entertained when you’re not doing activities. According to advice on pretravels.com, you can keep kids occupied on their own by packing electronic games, coloring books, and healthy snacks.

4. Practice travel safety

Many parents worry about their kids wandering off or going missing on vacation. You can help to alleviate feelings of anxiety by practicing family travel safety. This should involve providing your kids with your contact information including details of the place where you are staying and choosing a family meeting point in case you get split up. You could also consider giving your kids a GPS tracking device to improve their safety and security while traveling.

 

 

Filed Under: travel Tagged With: family travel, travel, travel tips, travel with family, travel with kids, traveling, traveling with kids, traveling with teenagers

How to Make the Most of a Short Vacation

October 1, 2019 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

How to Make the Most of a Short Vacation

When you really need a break from work to go on a vacation, but you just can’t fit one in, it can certainly feel like the universe is against you. There’s no need to feel down, however. Two or three days is enough to fit in exactly the break you need. You can have a fun-filled, relaxing or activity-based weekend vacation and make it feel like a two-week stay with these simple tips.

 

1. Plan Your Itinerary
When you have two whole weeks to plan what you’re going to do, you can easily leave it until when you get there and see what you feel like doing, but when you’ve only got two or three days, you need to be prepared from the get-go so that you don’t waste a second of your time.

If you want to visit attractions, check their opening times beforehand and plan to get there as soon as they open so that you can spend as much time there as you want to. Even more vital: choose the attractions that you want to visit ahead of time! You don’t want to be still discussing where you want to go when you’re having breakfast and need to leave soon.

 

2. Rent a Car
It can be a pain to rely on public transport when you have limited time. Buses often don’t turn up when they say they will, and this can put a strain on your vacation when you’ve only got so much time.

To avoid this altogether, contact E-Z Rent a Car; they will be able to provide you with a vehicle wherever you are taking a vacation, so you can do it your own way and save time on the highway.

You can also go off the beaten track when you’re driving your own car, so you can fully experience the destination of your vacation without limits.

 

3. Don’t Overbook It
In most destinations, there are probably many places and attractions that you want to visit and experience, but there simply won’t be enough time to see them all, even on a longer vacation. You don’t want to overbook your vacation and make it a stressful experience for you. After all, it is supposed to be about relaxing and having fun.

Instead, plan to visit a few tourist attractions and be realistic about how much time you can or will spend there. There is no fun in having a fully packed itinerary if you miss half of it and spend the visits you did make feeling tired or run down.

 

Short vacations make for a great burst of fun and activity and are a nice little break from the routine stress of everyday life. It’s good to keep in mind that if you do approach a weekend vacation like a two-week vacation, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. They can be just the break you need if you plan them well and treat them as what they are: short.

Filed Under: fatherhood, travel Tagged With: family travel, family vacation, travel, travel tips, travel with family, traveling with kids, traveling with teenagers, ultimate family vacation, vacation, vacation ideas

Enjoying a family vacation to the United Kingdom: top tips

August 30, 2019 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Enjoying a family vacation to the United Kingdom: top tips

If you consider your family to be the adventurous-type or those who love soaking up the history of an old town, then the United Kingdom is the ideal vacation destination for you. With a temperate climate, countless historical sites and endless hiking and walking trails, you won’t be stuck for activities. So, if you’re not keen on spending your summer vacation lazing on the beach in Ibiza, but would prefer to spend some time in historical Europe, here are some top tips.

 

Find a balance between history and activities

Kids will love finding out about medieval villains and ancient kings and queens, but they only have a finite attention span. After all, kids need to be entertained as well as distracted. While adults could spend all day walking through the Natural History Museum, children might get a little bored after the dinosaurs. Be sure to find a theme park or adventure playground nearby to break up your educational endeavors.

 

In Sussex, for example, you will find a happy balance between both history and activity. You can visit Battle for walks around the sites of the Battle of Hastings, as well as views of the English countryside. Not too far from that, you will also find Blue Reef Aquarium Hastings – complete with lizard and underwater tunnel exhibits.

 

Bring the wetsuits

Just because the United Kingdom doesn’t enjoy a Mediterranean climate doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the outdoors. In fact, if you find yourself based along the coast, you should absolutely make the most of potential activities such as swimming, surfing, and paddle-boarding. Truth be told, however, the British sea isn’t exactly balmy in temperature. If you have little ones who are more acclimatized to warmer temperatures, then ensure you either bring or rent wetsuits.

 

Rent when possible

Family schedules never run according to the time they were originally destined. Children refusing to go to bed, too much time in the bathroom and hectic breakfast times mean that we often find ourselves rushing out of the door at the last minute. It’s for this reason that renting a cottage to stay in will make your trip to the UK much easier. After all, Britain is renowned for its quirky and quaint cottages, which are ideal for basing yourself when you have small children. If you were planning a trip to Sussex and the South Downs, for example, Amberley House Cottage Holidays would be able to find you a place to stay. You can hunt through tons of images and features until you find the place that is right for you and your family.

 

Don’t be afraid to be spontaneous

Thanks to its dramatic scenery, but mostly tame wildlife, the UK is a cozy country to go exploring in. For example, if you were driving through Scotland’s glens, you would find plenty of brown road markers detailing nearby hikes and monuments. While your children might not be down for climbing a cliff face, you will still find plenty of easy-to-moderate walks to explore – and you might find these by pure accident.

 

Family vacations are all about balance. It’s about getting up when you want to, exploring, discovering, but providing plenty of downtime to enjoy your well-earned time off. When visiting the United Kingdom, you will quickly learn that you can happily strike a balance between fun and education, as well as adventure and relaxation.

Filed Under: travel Tagged With: international travel, international travel with kids, top tios, travel, travel tips, travel with family, travel with kids, traveling, traveling with kids, traveling with teenagers

4 Smart Ways to Finance Your Travel Plans

August 25, 2019 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

4 Smart Ways to Finance Your Travel Plans

Is your wallet restricting your wanderlust? You certainly aren’t alone. Most of us end up setting travel plans aside because we haven’t saved enough. And while saving for travel should definitely be your priority, there are times when sudden or unexpected trips are simply unavoidable.

So what can you do when you have to travel, but don’t have the money for it? Should you take a travel loan or personal line of credit for travel? Are there any other options available, and which is the best one? We’ll answer all these questions for you!

Here are four instant funding options you should explore:

  1. Personal Loan for Travel – Smart travelers often choose this option when they have to travel unexpectedly. Rather than taking money out of your emergency savings or high-yield investment portfolio, using a holiday loan, personal loan or personal line of credit to fund travel expenses helps you keep your finances on track. Of course, you need to make sure you can repay the loan on time, so make room for the EMIs in your monthly budget!
  2. Travel Credit Cards – You could opt for a travel credit card, or use a credit card with an option for converting expenses into EMIs for travel funding. Credit cards allow you anywhere from 20 days to almost two months for repayments, interest-free. If you can convert spends to EMIs, you get even more time for repayment. Travel credit cards, on the other hand, are set up specifically for travel-related expenses, so they may be more competitive than regular credit cards.
  3. Payday Loans – A payday loan is very similar to a personal loan, except that the interest rate is higher, with a shorter repayment period. Payday loans may be approved faster than travel loans and personal loans, so these can be a good option when you need funds urgently. However, you need to make sure you can repay the loan amount quickly, since the tenure for these short-term loans is generally between 3 months to a year.
  4. Travel Operator Financing – Many travel operators partner with banks and NBFCs to offer financing schemes, where you can pay for tickets, stay, meals, sightseeing and other planned or unplanned travel expenses after your trip. Interest rates for these schemes are comparable to rates for personal loans, and repayment may be spread out over 1-5 years. There is typically an upper limit for how much these schemes will cover, though, so keep that in mind.

Remember, dipping into your savings or investments should be your last resort, unless you have set aside a separate fund just for travel. Even if you have saved enough, learn how to travel on a budget. And when you need to make last-minute plans, such as attending a wedding in the family or traveling for medical treatment, take some time to compare prices and select a loan option that really works for you!

 

Filed Under: travel Tagged With: family travel, financing travel, international travel, money, saving money, travel, travel tips, travel with family, travel with kids, traveling, traveling with kids, traveling with teenagers

How to Improve Your Next Family Vacation

April 19, 2019 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

The Summer Vacation Technology Contract Every Family needs

When you are raising a family, you will be able to make amazing memories every single day. Some of the most important childhood memories that people treasure, however, happen on family vacations. This is a time when you all get to spend quality time together and bond while having fun somewhere new.

When you consider the importance of family vacations in bringing your family closer together, it becomes apparent that you need to put some real thought into making the trip brilliant. To help you out, this guide is going to give you three of the best ways to improve your next vacation and give your children the chance to make incredible memories.

Travel in luxury by going private

When it comes to planning a vacation, a lot of thought is put into where you decide to go and what you will do there. It is also of vital importance that you think about how you are going to get to your chosen destination. Traveling on the cheap might seem like a good idea, but it can often leave your family feeling over-tired and cranky, meaning your vacation gets off to a bad start.

One of the best alternatives is to look into Stratos Jets Charters and consider getting yourselves a private jet to get you from A to B. This will allow your family to travel in complete comfort and even relax on the journeys.

Know what to look for when it comes to where you stay

Another aspect of planning a vacation which can often get overlooked is the hotel or resort you choose to stay at. This is something people think they should always be trying to save money on, but in actual fact, you need to stay somewhere that caters to all your needs.

By being familiar with the sort of facilities available for families from hotels, you will be able to build a better picture in your mind of what you should go for. When planning a family holiday, trying to choose somewhere that has childcare facilities so that you and your partner are able to have some time alone for a date night. You need to remember, this holiday is as much about you as it is the kids, and you deserve a break.

Planning is your new best friend

You can find helpful tips on how to plan a trip online which can help make the process much easier. By planning out what you plan to do each day, you will be able to keep to your budget and, more importantly, always make sure your children are entertained. You should factor in rainy days, and try to explore as much as possible too.

Nothing can ruin the fun of a vacation more than having your little ones break out in a temper tantrum because they are bored. Try to book your tickets and passes to attractions early to get better deals and maximize the fun on your break.

Filed Under: fatherhood, travel, vacation Tagged With: dad, dads, family, family vacation, father, fatherhood, kids, Summer vacation, travel, travel tips, vacation, vacation ideas

‘Must Have’ Gear to Pack for Recording Impressive Travel Videos

January 3, 2019 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

'Must Have' Gear to Pack for Recording Impressive Travel Videos

Are you thinking of going all out and recording an impressive travel video on your next trip? If you are then it is important that you pack everything you need – and there are some pieces of gear that you simply can’t do without.

 

The most essential pieces of gear that you must have if you want to record impressive travel videos are:

 

  • Video camera

While essential, the type of video camera that you use is honestly up to you – and you should use what you already have rather than investing in a new camera initially. That being said if you are looking to buy a new camera anyway, you should focus on one that can capture high quality videos and is light – such as some of the mirrorless cameras.

 

  • Portable tripod stand

Tripod stands are arguably the best way to keep your camera steady while recording, which will make your travel videos look much more professional. Nowadays there are numerous portable travel options, and your focus should be on making sure it has the right type of head.

 

  • External microphone

Technically this is optional – but if you intend to record audio alongside your travel video, you really can’t do without it. In general a portable shotgun microphone is a good choice, though if you intend to record audio commentary then a lavalier or handheld microphone may be better.

 

  • Camera light

Another somewhat optional yet important piece of gear is a camera light. Relying on the built-in flash on most cameras is impractical, and so you will want to have a camera light of some kind with you in case the lighting conditions are poor. The exact type of light that you choose is up to you, but you should base it on what you feel the conditions will be like.

 

  • Spare batteries

Always bring spare batteries with you as you’ll go through them quickly on your trip. On top of that you may not always have the luxury of charging the batteries as soon as they run dry, so having spares is crucial.

 

  • Additional storage

Just as with batteries, having extra storage is always a good thing when recording travel videos. Ideally you should bring a few extra SD or microSD cards that you can swap in when needed, and an external hard drive that you can transfer the videos to whenever is convenient.

 

While these are the most important pieces of gear, there are others that you should pack as well – such as the lenses you want to use, a cleaning kit, and possibly a laptop or tablet. If you do pack a laptop or tablet, you will be able to convert your videos to the format that you want to store them in and for example could use Online Video Converter (www.videoconverter.com) for that.

 

All said and done if you pack the gear listed above you should have a much easier time recording impressive travel videos. As a final item you should try to pack it all in a sturdy and waterproof bag – so that it doesn’t get damaged while you’re on your trip.

Filed Under: travel Tagged With: family travel, photography, travel, travel tips, travel with family, travel with kids, video, video equipment, videography, videos

5 Ideas for Your Next Family Vacation

September 20, 2018 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

5 Ideas for Your Next Family Getaway

When it comes to planning your trip for your next family vacation, there are bound to be disagreements about where to go and most importantly, how you are going to keep the kids entertained. There is so much choice out there – should you stay in the US or travel a little further afield. It goes without saying that a family vacation is all about having fun and making the most of your time together. Therefore the choice of destination is crucial to making sure everyone thoroughly enjoys themselves – without too much quarreling.

Here are five great ideas you may never have thought of for your next family break:

1. Walt Disney World, Florida
Disney World is where all of the magic happens. Whether your kids are five or fifteen, there will be sure to have time of their lives. With plenty of rides, live shows and their favorite characters patrolling around the site, Walt Disney World is the perfect shout for all-around family fun. What’s also extremely useful, is that there are plenty of accommodation options on site to take the stress out of planning, aswell as various methods of transport to transfer you straight into the park itself.

2. London, England
England’s capital will make the perfect weekend break, and you’ll be feeling spoilt for choice on how to spend your time. Whether you hope to see a West End show, visit the many museums on offer or perhaps head to the world-famous Madame Tussauds exhibition, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy in one of the world’s most famous cities. Find out more about things to do in London.

3.  Cornwall, England
For a relaxing UK break with white sandy beaches on your doorstep and charming historic towns to stroll through, Cornwall won’t disappoint if you’re looking for that quaint seaside vibe. A few of the main areas to visit in the area include the picturesque town of St Ives, the much more buzzing and commercial town of Newquay or perhaps a more relaxing break at nearby Port Isaac. Whatever you wish to get out of your family vacation, Cornwall has it all. Find out more about what Cornwall has to offer here.

4.  Corfu, Greece

Corfu is the ideal destination to visit if you simply wish to sit back and enjoy some sun, sea and gorgeous scenery. Here, you will discover the likes of pretty fishing villages and historical sights, but there is also plenty to do with the kids too; especially once-in-a-lifetime snorkeling and diving opportunities. Although Greeks are known to cook up many delightful local dishes, many of these aren’t too off-putting for picky little eaters.

5. Italy
There is just no place on earth quite like Italy if you are looking for a warm welcome, good food and stunning views. Italy is well-known for being a family resort; no matter where in the country you choose to visit. There are plenty of world-famous cities to explore such as Rome, Florence, Verona, Venice and Milan, while there are also more laid-back parts such as Sorrento and Lake Garda. Lake Garda is great for the children, as the resort has its very own theme park named ‘Gardaland’; which hosts a huge variety of attractions and entertainment shows for all ages. Of course, you can’t go far wrong with the endless amounts of pizza and pasta to tuck into, which should go down well with the kids.

Filed Under: travel Tagged With: family travel, international travel, travel, travel tips, travel with family, travel with kids

How to Overcome Travel Disasters

September 20, 2018 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

How to Overcome Travel Disasters

When you’re planning a trip, it’s always tempting to focus on the positive elements of what you’re about to experience. After all, who wants to dwell on the potential negatives when you’re planning the vacation of a lifetime or a break from the dull routine of the everyday? As you plan your schedule and do research on fantastic activities to experience, planning for a disaster can all-too-easily take a back seat. Things do go wrong when you’re traveling, and being aware of the potential travel disasters means that you’ll be able to deal with them much easier. If you have a trip on the horizon and you’re starting to get excited, here are the best ways to prepare and overcome even the most frustrating of travel disasters.

 

Travel light

Lost baggage is always a common nightmare when traveling, but there are some ways to minimize the chances of that happening and reduce the negative impact that losing all of your suitcases will have. The best way to ensure that you don’t lose your luggage (or the airline doesn’t lose your luggage) is to simply pack so lightly that you need nothing more than your carry-on bag. Make sure that your documents are close to hand, a spare change of clothes, and your itinerary. That way, even if you have a suitcase in storage that ends up on the wrong side of the planet, you still have the basics that you need and can start your vacation with minimal amounts of stress. The less that you take, the less you can potentially lose, so pack light and you’ll be able to start relaxing much sooner.

 

Being stuck at the airport

Unfortunately, being forced to endure hours of unplanned delays while being trapped in the departure lounge is a common disaster. Flight delays or even cancellations can very quickly ruin your trip, which is why it’s a good idea to be prepared, just in case. Make sure that you have plenty of entertainment options with you, and whether that’s a Kindle loaded with books, a laptop full of TV shows and films to while away the hours, or even just a few albums and a good set of headphones, the time will go much faster if you’re preoccupied. Remember to keep your travel documents close to hand in case you have to make a compensation claim for a flight delay or cancellation. The more information that you have, the faster SkyRefund will be able to assess your compensation, so make sure that you have all of your flight details in your carry-on bag.

 

Hotels from Hell

In the age of TripAdvisor and Yelp, you’d think that booking a hotel and finding it’s as reviewed would be simple, but it’s still very common to arrive at a hotel to find that it’s not quite as advertised. Everyone has a hotel from hell story, and sometimes all of the research that you do can mean nothing if you have been deliberately misled. Sometimes, this is a simple communication error, and having a chat with the staff may make the problem go away by moving you to a better room or upgrading your accommodation package. However, if the staff are unhelpful, remember that the power of social media or a threat to call the local media can go a long way. In the days of digital reviews and viral campaigns, the damage to a business through negative online interactions can be very damaging, and as a consumer, you have a lot of power.

 

Being prepared for disasters is the best way to ensure that you overcome them. Make your preparations early and never assume that things will go as smoothly as you hope. The more that you prepare, the fewer obstacles will negatively affect your travel, and that will lead to a much more enjoyable trip.

 

Filed Under: travel Tagged With: family travel, international travel, travel, travel disasters, travel tips, travel with family, travel with kids, traveling, traveling with kids

Traveling with Your Kids: Parenting from the Road

June 8, 2016 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

children sitting on luggageTraveling with Your Kids: Parenting from the Road

Easy Tips and Teachable Moments

 

As we all know, parenting is a full time job that provides no time to rest on our laurels, even on vacation. We’re almost in the thick of summer, and for your kids that probably means endless hours of freedom—at least until school starts back up again in the fall. Instead of letting your kids waste the summer hours away in front of the television set or computer screen, plan a family road trip that will create beautiful memories you can all cherish for a lifetime. Check out this collection of fun travel activities that will provide great teaching moments for your kids during your journey.

 

Before You Head Out

Before packing up the car and hitting the open road, make sure you incorporate your children’s thoughts into the planning of the trip. If you already have a destination in mind, make sure they know where it is you’re going and help them do a little bit of research on the place before you depart. Outline what you will do, take a look at it on the map to improve your child’s geographical awareness, and discuss the types of things you will do whilst there. This will help your kids develop a relationship with your destination and make it less foreboding, and more exciting. Need help with destination ideas? This travel resource has some great ideas!

As the day of departure draws closer, organize and pack for each day of your travels. This will help your little one practice their critical thinking and improve organization skills in one fell swoop. Once the suitcases are packed, build a wish list with your little ones. Talk about the opportunities there are to be had in the locale you’re visiting and find out what your kids hope to see or do. Keep it with you during the trip to refer to and have your kids ready for the next activity throughout the entirety of your journey.

luggage

If you are renting your house out while you’re away (I often do this for some extra income), have your children help prepare for the guest. Whether said guest is a friend, family member, or someone paying to stay in your home, having your child participate in the preparation aspects will help him or her feel pride and satisfaction even before you head out on your journey.

Extra Tip! I always rent my home when I leave for an extended period of time. If you follow this route, make sure you vet your tenants. For children (and their parents), coming back to a robbed home or trashed house can be a traumatic experience. I use this resource to get extra background information on my renters, but Airbnb and Homeaway also have great insurance policies.

 

During Your Travels

Keep your kids busy during a long road trip with educational projects. Coloring books help keep boredom at bay, but they also work wonders for creativity, independence, and improve fine motor skills. If your little one is old enough to write, task them with a project: list all the interesting things you see during the road trip. This will help you learn more about things making an impression on your children, and keep them occupied for hours. To go off of this idea, you can take part in a rousing game of “I Spy” —an oldie but goodie. This simply game supports problem solving and critical thinking, and will definitely help them to take in their surroundings.

Extra Tip! Traveling can be especially difficult when your children are young. To ease your travel needs, make sure to prepare all the necessary food and travel supplies beforehand. Instead of stopping on the way for greasy, unhealthy fast food, pack some yummy and nutritious snacks your little ones can chow down on in the car. Check out this resource for some great snack ideas for travelling.

child writing

You’ve Reached Your Destination

Once you’ve arrived, take advantage of the teachable moments that come your way. Whether you’re out sightseeing or relaxing at the beach, you can incorporate these fun activities to make for an education and entertaining family vacation.

Inspire your child’s inner Sherlock Holmes with detective games. Give your little one a difficult task and have them try to determine how to solve or complete it on their own. For example, ask your child to find five items made of red, blue, green, yellow, and orange. If you have multiple children, make it a competition to see who can find the most creative item.

Help your little one improve their art skills with designated drawing time during your travels, especially if you’re in a picturesque destination. Bring along paper and colored pencils, and pop a squat whenever you see a vista or beautiful sight. Then, spend the time with your kids taking in the views and sketching a portrait of all you see. This is sure to leave more of an impression than a photo taken on your iPhone will.

If you’re leaving on an extended vacation, teach your child the importance of maintaining relationships by writing weekly letters to friends or family members back at home. In these letters, encourage your child to explain the best things they’ve seen; this will help with retention, personal skills, and inspire better independent thinking.

Extra Tip! If you’ve stayed in an Airbnb or some other sort of rental, teach your children the lesson of gratitude by writing thank you letters to your host. Instruct your little one to write down (or dictate to you) the best parts of their trip. This will come full circle if you are renting out your home, as your children will be able to see things from the point of view of both a host and a guest. Check out this guide for great ‘thank you’ writing tips.

As we get further into summer and your kids frolic in the freedom of summer break, it’s likely that you plan to head out on the open road and check out some new places. To keep your sanity and make sure your kids have a wonderful experience, keep these “parenting on the road” tips in your arsenal.

 

Author Bio: Hank can eat a whole pizza in one sitting. He is a wacky DIY blogger with a nose for adventure. Check him out on twitter to see what he is tweeting about next. @Homebyhank

Filed Under: fatherhood, travel Tagged With: activities, crafts, family travel, guest post, international travel, international travel with kids, travel, travel tips, traveling with kids

5 Tips For International Travel With Kids

April 18, 2015 by dadofdivas 2 Comments

IntlTravelWithKids

A week ago we decided to go on a mini-vacation to Niagara Falls, Ontario on the way to the memorial for my Grandmother in Silver Creek, New York. We were excited to be able to have the kids experience the magic and natural wonder that is Niagara Falls and because this was international travel with kids we knew that we had to do our research to do things right. That being said, I cannot say that we did things completely right, but we tried, and I wanted to take a moment to share the top five things that we learned in about international travel with kids.

SAMSUNG CSC

  • Research Documentation Requirements
    When you choose international travel with kids, look to see what is required in regards to documentation for kids and for you. For many countries, you will have to get a passport. The nice thing about this is that if you get this they will last for a few years, so it is a one time expense. If you are traveling through Canada the rules are a bit more relaxed. For example, we decided not to pay to get new passports for our kids this summer (their passports expired in March) because kids can travel in Canada with their birth certificate if they do not have a passport.
  • Check on the current Exchange Rates
    Make sure to look at the current exchange rates before international travel with kids. Realize that businesses in other countries may not be required to honor the exchange rate at the same rate as many will charge a transaction fee because of having to take the money somewhere to have it exchanged back. We had this happen to us numerous times and we found that the consistency between businesses was non-existent. If you want to pay in your own currency you need to ask what their going rate is for this. You may even want to think about purchasing currency before you go, especially if your trip is an extended one.
  • Look at the Weather Conditions
    Whether the destination that you may be going may be close or far, it is important to look ahead of time to bring the clothes that you will need for international travel with kids. We thought that we had done this, but unfortunately we came to find that our clothes were a bit inadequate for how cold it ended up being (colder than originally expected and rainier than expected).
  • Explore Public Transportation Options
    At Niagara Falls parking is very expensive by the falls, but if you get a WEGO pass you can really save a ton of money and get anywhere you need to go around the downtown falls area. That being said, when you are looking to travel internationally, especially if you will be near a major city, look for public transportation options as you may be very surprised by how inexpensive this may be, especially in regards to international travel with kids!
  • Pack Everything You Need to Capture Your Memories
    I am a photographer by nature so I always pack my Samsung NX 1 with me, but I also do not want to forget to think about the video camera, extra SD cards, battery chargers, external flash or any other filters or other camera equipment that I might need to capture the experiences with my family. So think ahead and bring what you need depending on the type of person you are and the type of experiences you and planning to try to have on your trip.

Niagara-Falls

These are just some of my take-away international travel with kids tips from our trip to Niagara Falls Ontario. I hope that they have helped you.

 

Do you do international travel with kids? What are your tips that you would share with others?

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Filed Under: travel Tagged With: international travel, international travel with kids, niagara falls, ontario, top 5, travel, travel tips

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